De Lima claims Duterte aide Bong Go asked PNP chief to reinstate CIDG exec

Senator Leila de Lima on Thursday disclosed that it was Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go who asked Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa to reinstate controversial cop Supt. Marvin Marcos.

De Lima told reporters that her information came from a source in the PNP, and that the request made by Go was an “open secret” among PNP officials.

“I am not inventing because I have a source…Several PNP officials alam ‘yan,” De Lima said.

“It’s an open secret na in-order niya (Go) si General Bato by phone call na i-reinstate [si Marcos]…PNP officials [knew] and they didn’t like it,” De Lima said.

“Hindi nagustuhan na ilang PNP officials na binypass 'yung hierarchy ng PNP nung ni-reinstate 'yan si Marcos without clearing it with them or without asking them,” she added.

De Lima, a staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, said Go has been “very powerful” since the chief executive’s term as mayor in Davao City.

“I assure you, hindi ko imbento ‘yan,” she stressed.

PNP chief Dela Rosa earlier revealed that he had ordered the relief of Marcos even before the death of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa, but a higher official asked him to reinstate the controversial policeman.

Dela Rosa on Thursday said the said "higher official" who called him was his "kumpare." He however did not name the person.

Marcos, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 8, was accused of receiving protection money from Mayor Espinosa’s son, alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

De Lima said Dela Rosa can be held liable for abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for reinstating Marcos.

“Kaya inalis, ni-relieve, dahil may kasalanan; under investigation for illegal acts, purported illegal acts. Kapag tinawagan siya ng isang malakas na tao, tao ni Digong, ni-reinstate so pwede sila, may liability siya dyan, si General dela Rosa,” she said.

She said the PNP chief could have declined the request because there was “legitimate” reason to do so. —KG, GMA News